Find Personalized Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs in Norman, OK

April 8, 2013

When you have a loved one who suffers from a serious mental or physical disability, making sure that they get the dental services they need can seem like an impossible task at times.  After all, a regular approach often won’t meet their unique needs, and it can even result in trauma or disaster. Here in Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his dedicated team are committed to providing excellent care to smiles of all shapes and sizes, no matter what the circumstances are. That’s why we’ve taken the time to learn the special needs that come with a variety of disabilities and adjust our services accordingly. We want you and every member of your family to feel welcome at our practice!

When caring for special needs patients, it’s crucial to understand their disabilities and the unique challenges that they pose. Here are a few examples:

Alzheimer’s

As this degenerative disease progresses, symptoms such as forgetfulness and dementia begin to affect every aspect of that person’s life, including their dental hygiene routine. Dr. Carmen recommends that patients with Alzheimer’s are brought in to his Norman office more frequently for check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, oral sedation and other measures that can induce relaxation may be necessary.

Parkinson’s

Tremors are usually associated with this condition, making it harder as time goes on to control even simple movements fully – a problem that can definitely affect brushing and flossing, which require fine motor skills. A large percentage of people with Parkinson’s also suffer from depression. Our team can ensure that these patients’ smiles stay full and functional, contributing to a higher quality of life.

Down syndrome

When it comes to people with Down syndrome, trust has to be a crucial aspect of their care. We’ll help you assure your loved one that they won’t be harmed or restrained in any way during their procedure. Because their immune systems may be compromised as well, we’ll take every precaution to prevent the spread of infection and keep a close eye on any possible signs of developing gum disease.

We’re here to give you and your family a reason to smile! Contact our Norman office today to learn more about our dental care for special needs patients, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you can find out additional information about other conditions at this page. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

January 23, 2013

Snoring, while annoying to those in your household, is usually a harmless habit. Sometimes, it even takes years before someone lets you know you’re a victim of the condition – usually a tired spouse, or an annoyed friend at a sleepover when you’re still young. But did you know that snoring can actually indicate a much more serious problem? If you’re a chronic snorer, you might also be suffering from sleep apnea. At its core, sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way you breathe while you’re sleeping, causing your air intake to lessen or even stop altogether for seconds at a time, up to hundreds of time a night. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to complications down the road if left untreated. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen is happy to help, here at his Norman office. Our team is committed to providing you with a comfortable and effective solution for your sleep apnea, letting you and your family get back to safe, peaceful slumber.

But first, how can you tell if you have sleep apnea? Here are some of the most common symptoms.

  • Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
  • Chronic sleepiness during the daytime, no matter how much sleep you got the night before
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat after sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Long periods of silence when sleeping – check with your spouse to see if this sounds familiar!
  • Morning headaches

Those sound familiar! What can you do to help me?

Never fear – Dr. Carmen takes sleep apnea very seriously, and he has an easy solution so that you can get the rest and peace of mind you deserve. We will have a mouthpiece custom-made to fit your unique features, commonly known as a snoreguard. As long as you wear the snoreguard during sleep, your airways will always be held open, getting rid of that pesky snoring as well as eliminating dangerous lapses in breathing.

Our team wants to give you a reason to smile! Call our Norman dental office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.